scholarly journals Seeing spots: Measuring, quantifying heritability, and assessing fitness consequences of coat pattern traits in a wild population of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek E. Lee ◽  
Douglas R. Cavener ◽  
Monica L. Bond

ABSTRACTPolymorphic phenotypes of mammalian coat color have been important to the study of genetics and evolution, but little is known about the heritability and fitness consequences of variation in complex coat pattern traits in wild populations. Understanding the current evolution of coat patterns requires reliably measuring traits, quantifying heritability of the traits, and identifying the fitness consequences of specific phenotypes. Giraffe coat markings are highly variable and it has been hypothesized that variation in coat patterns most likely affects fitness by camouflaging neonates against predators. We quantified spot pattern traits of wild Masai giraffes using image analysis software, determined whether spot pattern traits were heritable, and assessed whether variation in heritable spot pattern traits was related to fitness as measured by juvenile survival. The methods we described comprise a framework for objective quantification of mammalian coat pattern traits based on photographic coat pattern data. We demonstrated that characteristics of giraffe coat spot shape are heritable. We did not find evidence for juvenile survival consequences of variation in spot traits, suggesting that spot traits are currently not under strong directional, disruptive, or stabilizing selection for neonate camouflage in our study population, but our sample size could not detect small differences in survival. Spot trait variation also may be more relevant to other components of fitness, such as adult survival or fecundity. We hope this case study will inspire further investigations of coat pattern traits.

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek E. Lee ◽  
Douglas R. Cavener ◽  
Monica L. Bond

Polymorphic phenotypes of mammalian coat coloration have been important to the study of genetics and evolution, but less is known about the inheritance and fitness consequences of individual variation in complex coat pattern traits such as spots and stripes. Giraffe coat markings are highly complex and variable and it has been hypothesized that variation in coat patterns most likely affects fitness by camouflaging neonates against visually hunting predators. We quantified complex coat pattern traits of wild Masai giraffes using image analysis software, determined the similarity of spot pattern traits between mother and offspring, and assessed whether variation in spot pattern traits was related to fitness as measured by juvenile survival. The methods we described could comprise a framework for objective quantification of complex mammal coat pattern traits based on photographic coat pattern data. We demonstrated that some characteristics of giraffe coat spot shape were likely to be heritable, as measured by mother-offspring regression. We found significant variation in juvenile survival among phenotypic groups of neonates defined by multivariate clustering based on spot trait measurement variables. We also found significant variation in neonatal survival associated with spot size and shape covariates. Larger spots (smaller number of spots) and irregularly shaped or rounder spots (smaller aspect ratio) were correlated with increased survival. These findings will inform investigations into developmental and genetic architecture of complex mammal coat patterns and their adaptive value.


PLoS Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. e3001072
Author(s):  
Arbel Harpak ◽  
Molly Przeworski

The selection pressures that have shaped the evolution of complex traits in humans remain largely unknown, and in some contexts highly contentious, perhaps above all where they concern mean trait differences among groups. To date, the discussion has focused on whether such group differences have any genetic basis, and if so, whether they are without fitness consequences and arose via random genetic drift, or whether they were driven by selection for different trait optima in different environments. Here, we highlight a plausible alternative: that many complex traits evolve under stabilizing selection in the face of shifting environmental effects. Under this scenario, there will be rapid evolution at the loci that contribute to trait variation, even when the trait optimum remains the same. These considerations underscore the strong assumptions about environmental effects that are required in ascribing trait differences among groups to genetic differences.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Youstiana Dwi Rosita

ABSTRAK Rumah sakit adalah institusi penyedia jasa layanan kesehatan, Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Dr. R. Sosodoro Djatikoesoemo Bojonegoro sebagai salah satu Rumah Sakit milik pemerintah kabupaten Bojonegoro. Sebagai pusat rujukandari beberapa rumah sakit di daerah Bojonegoro dan sekitarnya. Dalam penelitian ini menggunkan suatu pen dekatan dengan analisis SWOT yang merupakan langkah awal dari suatu perencanaan strategi pengembangan yang dimulai dengan identifikasi masalah, tujuan organisasi sampai pada menimbang kekuatan dan kelemahan sendiri serta peluang dan ancaman dari luar dan juga melakukan beberapa langkah penting yang menunjang pemasaran atau pengembangan. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian studi kasus dengan menggunakan rancangan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dan Populasi dalam penelitian ini populasinya adalah pasien rawatinap dan pasien rawat jalan sebanyak 200 orang responden Sampel merupakan sebagian atau wakil populasi yang diteliti. Dalam penelitian ini mengunakan sampling pertimbangan (Judgement Sampling) Dari hasil pendekatan dengan analisis SWOT perlunya pelaksanaan atau realisasi dari struktur organisasi yang menempatkan farmasis dalam farmasi klinik, peningkatan kualitas dan kuantitas sumber daya manusia, serta perlunya penambahan fasilitas berhubungan dengan IPTEK untuk kegiatan pelayanan farmasi baik secara manajerial maupun ke arah farmasi klinik. Kata Kunci : Farmasi, Analisis SWOT ABSTRACT The hospital is an institution health care providers, Regional General Hospital Dr. R. Sosodoro Djatikoesoemo Bojonegoro as one of the government-owned hospital Bojonegoro. As the center rujukandari several hospitals in Bojonegoro and the surrounding area. In this study using the approach with a pen SWOT analysis is the first step of a development strategy planning which starts with the identification of the problem, the purpose of the organization came to weigh their own strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats from the outside and also did some important steps to support the marketing or development. This research is a case study using qualitative descriptive study design and population in this study population was rawatinap patients and outpatients as many as 200 people respondent sample is partially or representative of the population studied. In this study, using sampling considerations (Judgement Sampling) From the SWOT analysis approach with the need for the implementation or realization of the organizational structure that puts pharmacists in clinical pharmacy, improving the quality and quantity of human resources, as well as the need for additional facilities related to science and technology for good pharmaceutical service activities managerially and in the direction of clinical pharmacy. Key Words : Pharmacy, SWOT Analysis


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hosein Fadaei ◽  
Mahya Torkaman ◽  
Jamileh Farokhzadian

Background: Spiritual well-being is the newest dimension of health, which is placed along with the physical, mental, and social aspects of health. Since soldiers in military barracks are exposed to multiple psychological pressures, their psychological well-being can be affected. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the spiritual well-being and psychological well-being and the relationship between these two concepts among soldiers in military service. Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted at a military barracks in Iran in 2019. The study population included 301 soldiers selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using three questionnaires for data on sociodemographic, psychological well-being, and spiritual well-being. Results: The results showed that soldiers' spiritual well-being (Mean ± SD: 100.6 ± 12, 30, range: 50 – 120) and Psychological well-being (PWB) (Mean ± SD: 85.85 ± 7.91, range: 48 – 104) were at high levels. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between spiritual well-being and psychological well-being (P value< 0.001, r = 0.41). Conclusion: Considering the correlation between spiritual well-being and psychological well-being among soldiers in military service, it is possible to improve their psychological well-being by promoting spiritual well-being. In this regard, more interventional and combination studies are recommended in the field of psychological well-being and spiritual well-being.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-59
Author(s):  
Muna H. Ali

This study examined the factors affecting the academic achievement of undergraduate students at the faculty of Arts and Science Kufrah -Benghazi University as a case study. This study seeks to identify and analyze some determining factors that influence students' academic achievement in the study area. Four factors namely: psychological, family, learning facilities, and economic; were considered. The sample was randomly selected from the study population. A questionnaire was administered to 240 (90 males,150 females) students as a sample of this study. The responses of the students were analyzed to meet the objectives of the study using (SPSS) and displayed in forms and tables. After collecting the required data on the variables of the study, they were encoded to be entered into the computer to extract the statistical results. Statistical methods within the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) were used to process data obtained by the field study of the sample. To analyze the data mean difference test is used. Results of arithmetic means of the psychological, family, learning facilities, and economic factors were medium. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in the factors affecting academic achievement among the participants due to some demographic factors such as gender and marital status. following recommendations were made; provide proper learning facilities to the students and also improve the environment of the faculty. Furthermore, the students would perform well if they are properly guided by both their parents and teachers.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Langevin Mary ◽  
Helena Synkova ◽  
Tereza Jancuskova ◽  
Sona Pekova

ABSTRACTIt has been recognized that the Merle coat pattern is not only a visually interesting feature, but it also exerts an important biological role, in terms of hearing and vision impairments. In 2006, the Merle (M) locus was mapped to the SILV gene with a SINE element in it, and the inserted retroelement was proven causative to the Merle phenotype. Mapping of the M locus was a genetic breakthrough and many breeders started implementing SILV SINE testing in their breeding programs. Unfortunately, the situation turned out complicated as genotypes of Merle tested individuals did not always correspond to expected phenotypes, sometimes with undesired health consequences in offspring. Two variants of SILV SINE, allelic to the wild type sequence, have been described so far - Mc and M.Here we report a significantly larger portfolio of existing Merle alleles (Mc, Mc+, Ma, Ma+, M, Mh) in Merle dogs, which are associated with unique coat color features and stratified health impairment risk. The refinement of allelic identification was made possible by systematic, detailed observation of Merle phenotypes in a cohort of 181 dogs from known Merle breeds, by many breeders worldwide, and the use of advanced molecular technology enabling the discrimination of individual Merle alleles with significantly higher precision than previously available.We also show that mosaicism of Merle alleles is an unexpectedly frequent phenomenon, which was identified in 30 out of 181 (16.6%). dogs in our study group. Importantly, not only major alleles, but also minor Merle alleles can be inherited by the offspring. Thus, mosaic findings cannot be neglected and must be reported to the breeder in their whole extent.In light of negative health consequences that may be attributed to certain Merle breeding strategies, we strongly advocate implementation of the refined Merle allele testing for all dogs of Merle breeds to help the breeders in selection of suitable mating partners and production of healthy offspring.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1196-1201
Author(s):  
F.K. Matlakala ◽  
◽  
J.C. Makhubele ◽  
D.T. Masilo ◽  
M.M. Kwakwa ◽  
...  

Migrants’ youth are seen as one of the vulnerable populations in South Africa. This is largely due to the fact that they are seen as people who come to take job opportunities of the youth in the host country. In order to cope with their fear and stress, migrants indulge in binge consumption of alcohol. It is in light of that that in this paper researchers aimed to accentuate alcohol abuse as a militating factor against the quality of life for migrants’ youth population in selected provinces of South Africa. The study adopted qualitative approach and case study design to highlight how alcohol is seen as a militating factor against quality of life. The study population was drawn from three provinces in South Africa using convenient sampling technique to sample three participants. Moreover, the data was collected telephonically in three selected provinces and analysed thematically. The findings indicate that due to the accessibility, availability, affordability and stress migrants’ youth indulge in binge consumption. Thus, researchers recommend that policymakers should make guidelines that will restrict mushrooming of alcohol outlets – be regulation to prohibit overcrowding of outlets in selected provinces of South Africa.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 24-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehri Mohebbi (Mehrsa) ◽  
Annulla Linders ◽  
Carla Chifos

Scholars have identified a range of factors that influence the ability of researchers to access hard-toreach groups and the willingness of their members to participate in research. In this paper, we draw on insights from both ethnographic methods and participatory action research to demonstrate the importance of building trust in our relationships with hard-to-reach participants in research based on interviews. Such trust-building, we show, is greatly facilitated by pre-recruitment immersion that aids not only the recruitment of individual participants but also improves the quality of the data collected. These methodological concerns emerged from an interview study focusing on Muslim women’s use of urban public recreational spaces in South-East Michigan. Although the first author of this paper, as a woman and a Muslim, is a formal insider in the study population, her experiences with recruitment demonstrate that the access granted by insider status is insufficient as grounds for a research relationship based on trust. This is so especially when the target population is as marginalized and embattled as the post 9/11 immigrant Muslim community. With more than two years of community immersion, however, she was able to foster enough trust to secure a large number of committed participants that spoke freely and thoughtfully about the issues at stake (78 in all).


The Auk ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 120 (4) ◽  
pp. 1188-1194
Author(s):  
Thomas Gardali ◽  
Daniel C. Barton ◽  
Jennifer D. White ◽  
Geoffrey R. Geupel

Abstract We estimated annual rates of survival for juvenile and adult Swainson's Thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) using capture-recapture analyses from 22 years of mist-neting data in coastal California (n= 2,651 individual captures). Our apparent survival estimate was 56% for adults and 25% for juveniles. We are the first to estimate an annual juvenile survival rate for a Neotropical migrant using capture-recapture probability estimates. Like most estimates of annual survival, we could not distinguish between dispersal away from our study area (which is likely high for juveniles) and mortality. Hence, survival is underestimated. However, our juvenile survival estimate did not include the period from fledging to independence, a time when mortality can be high. Many researchers have assumed juvenile survival to be half that of adult survival in population models (e.g. source-sink). Our juvenile to adult survival ratio was 45% (95% CI = 27 to 65%). We caution researchers from simply assuming that juvenile survival approximates half of adult survival when modeling populations and suggest using a range of values. Using a range of values is prudent because of the potential for annual variation, site-specific variation, and especially because estimates are imprecise or completely lacking.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 142-143
Author(s):  
Omolola A Adeoye-Olatunde ◽  
Leslie M. Lake ◽  
Karen S. Hudmon ◽  
Alan J. Zillich ◽  
Margie E. Snyder

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To optimize medication use in older adults, Medication Therapy Management (MTM) was launched as part of Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) policy. The objective of this study was to generate hypotheses for strategies that contribute to community pharmacies’ ability to achieve high performance on policy relevant MTM quality measures. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This mixed-methods comparative case study design incorporated two conceptual models; the Positive Deviance model and Chronic Care Model. The study population consisted of pharmacy staff employed by a Midwestern division of a national supermarket-community pharmacy chain. Data consisted of semi-structured interviews and demographics. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed abductively or using descriptive statistics, respectively. Case comparisons were synthesized using the Framework Method. MTM quality measures used to evaluate participant pharmacies’ MTM performance mirrored quality measures under Domain 4 (Drug Safety and Accuracy of Drug Pricing) of the 2017 Medicare Part D Plan’ Star Rating measures. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Staff at 13 of the 18 selected pharmacies (72.2%) participated in interviews. Interviewees included 11 pharmacists, 11 technicians and three student interns. Strategies hypothesized as contributing to MTM performance included: 1. Strong pharmacist-provider relationships and trust, 2. Inability to meet patients’ cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic needs (negatively contributing), 3. Technician involvement in MTM, 4. Providing comprehensive medication reviews in person vs. phone alone, 5. Placing high priority on MTM, 6. Using maximum number of clinical information systems (CISs) to identify eligible patients. 7. Technicians using CISs to collect information for pharmacists, 8. Faxing prescribers adherence medication therapy problems (MTPs) and calling on indication MTPs. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Our study resulted in eight strategies hypothesized to contribute to community pharmacy performance on MTM quality measures. To inform MTM policy recommendations, future research should engage stakeholders to assist with prioritizing hypotheses to be tested in a larger representative sample of pharmacies. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DESCRIPTION: This research was supported, in part, with support from the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute funded, in part by grant number TL1TR001107 from the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Clinical and Translational Sciences Award. Dr. Adeoye-Olatunde is a part-time employee and Dr. Lake is a full-time employee at the Midwestern division, national supermarket-community pharmacy chain, where study procedures were conducted. Dr. Snyder reports personal fees from Westat, Inc., outside the submitted work.


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